EPA 560/4-76-007
IDENTIFICATION OF SELECTED FEDERAL ACTIVITIES
DIRECTED TO CHEMICALS OF NEAR-TERM CONCERN
SEPTEMBER 1976
OFFICE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
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EPA 560/4-76-007
IDENTIFICATION OF SELECTED FEDERAL ACTIVITIES
DIRECTED TO CHEMICALS OF NEAR-TERM CONCERN
(Benzene, Bis(chloromethyl) Ether,
Cadmium, Hydrogen Sulfide, Mercury,
Platinum, Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons, Trichloroethylene,
Tris(2, 3-dibromopropyl) Phosphate)
Prepared by the
OFFICE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
SEPTEMBER 1976
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PREFACE
This Report is intended to assist Federal agencies
and other interested organizations obtain current infor-
mation on the on-going activities of EPA directed to
selected chemicals of near-term concern.
In addition to identifying the principal EPA programs
relating to these chemicals, the Report also includes
significant activities of other organizations when that
information is available. The Report does not attempt to
include many important completed projects.
The Office of Toxic Substances would welcome infor-
mation concerning other important on-going activities
directed to these chemicals. Such information should be
directed to the Chief, Special Chemicals Branch, Office
of Toxic Substances.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Preface
i
Benzene
1
Bis(chloromethyl) Ether
3
Cadmium
4
Hydrogen Sulfide
6
Mercury
8
Platinum
10
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
11
Trichloroethylene
12
Tris(2,3-dibromopropy1) Phosphate
14
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BENZENE
GENERAL STUDIES
Air Pollution - A preliminary assessment of air pollution
problems from benzene has been completed. Further questions
remain to be answered before regulatory decisions can be
made. Studies to develop those answers are tentatively
scheduled for completion by March 1977. Richard Johnson,
EPAjOAQPS, (919) 688-8146, X-501.
HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
Health Effects Review - The Committee on Toxicology of the
National Academy of Sciences compiled and evaluated the
literature on the health impacts of benzene. The June 1976,
report also identified several areas needing further study.
William Coniglio, EPAjOTS, (202) 755-0300.
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS,
AND EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Drinking Water Survey - Drinking water supplies in 113 cities
are being surveyed for a number of organic constituents in-
cluding benzene. Sampling and analyses are due to be com-
pleted in December 1976, and the report is expected in early
1977. Joseph Cotruvo, EPAjOWS, (202) 755-5643.
Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
benzene levels in the various media are being reviewed.
Recommendations for the adoption of standardized methods
are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPAjORD, (202)
426-2026. ~
Sampling and Analysis - Samples taken near six manufacturing
sites and 12 plants using benzene as an intermediate will
be analyzed for concentrations of benzene. The report
should be available by mid-1977. Vincent DeCarlo, EPAjOTS,
(202) 755-0300.
CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS
Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including benzene, are being surveyed in connection with
effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior, health
and environmental effects, and sources and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. Appropriate
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water quality criteria, effluent guidelines, toxic pollutant
standards, and/or pretreatment requirements will then be
established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
in accordance with a court-approved schedule. John Carroll,
EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.
Workplace Standard - Revision to the benzene workplace
standard is being considered by OSHA. The revised standard
is expected to be proposed in December 1976. Brad Russell,
OSHA, (202) 523-7184.
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BIS(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Air Pollution Assessment - Mathematical models based on
industrial information have predicted that environmental
levels of BCME are below detection limits and offer ex-
posure potential more than two orders of magnitude below
levels known to be hazardous. Richard Johnson, EPA/OAQPS,
(919) 688-8146, X-SOl.
Sampling and Analysis - Monitoring will be started in early
1977, to determine if BCME is formed in areas where formalde-
hyde and chloride ions are available in waste streams.
Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.
CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS
Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including haloethers, are being surveyed in connection with
effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior, health
and environmental effects, sources, and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. The report,
including recommended criteria, is scheduled to be published
by July 1977. Appropriate water quality criteria, effluent
guidelines, toxic pollutant standards, and/or pretreatment
requirements will then be established under the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act in accordance with a court-
approved schedule. John Carroll, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.
Workplace - A survey of workplace environments (such as
textile mills) where formaldehyde and chloride ions are
available will determine if BCME is formed. If the formation
of BCME occurs, recommendations for revisions to the OSHA
standard for BCME will be made. Ben Dobbin, NIOSH, (531)
684-3255.
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CADMIUM
HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
Uptake in Humans - Cadmium has long been implicated in
kidney disorders. A study to document the uptake
mechanism and renal cortex levels is in progress. The
report is due in early 1977. Edward Brooks, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-4880.
Uptake and Translocation in Food Chain - A variety of
studies will report on uptake of cadmium from sludge
and other sources by plants and animals. A report on
body burden limits and other factors needed to support
regulatory decisions will be prepared. Donald Ehreth,
EPA/ORD, (202) 426-0264.
Carcinogenesis - A special study of the carcinogenic
potential of cadmium by intramuscular injection in three
rodent species was conducted by NCI. Sidney Siegel, NCI,
(301) 496-3503.
Effects on Protein Synthesis - An investigation is under-
way to characterize adverse effects on protein synthesis
and possible induction by heavy metals including cadmium.
Dr. Robert Owens, NIEHS, (919) 549-8411, X-3358.
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
cadmium levels in the various media are being reviewed.
Recommendations for the adoption of standardized methods
are expected in the fall of 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD,
(202) 426-2026.
Analysis of Human Tissues - Analytical techniques to measure
cadmium levels in human tissues are being developed. Vincent
DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.
Environmental Levels - The technical literature is being
reviewed to determine the extent and adequacy of monitoring
data. A decision will be made when the results have been
compiled as to whether further monitoring should be under-
taken. Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.
Cadmium in a Metropolitan Area - A survey of levels and
sources of cadmium in environmental substrates in the
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Washington, D. C., Metropolitan Area is in progress. A
report is expected in early 1977. Edward Brooks, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-4880.
SUBSTITUTES, CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, AND RELATED COSTS AND
ECONOMIC FACTORS
Wastewater Treatment - Methods available for treating cadmium-
containing wastewater have been reviewed for efficacy, costs,
and benefits. Kent Ballantine, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3030.
Substitute Material - A Navy
tute aluminum for cadmium in
be evaluated during the fall
(202) 755-4880.
Department proposal to substi-
electroplating is scheduled to
of 1976. Edward Brooks, EPA/OTS,
CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS
Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including cadmium, are being surveyed in connection with
effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior, health
and environmental effects, and sources and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. The report,
including recommended criteria, is scheduled to be published
by July 1977. Appropriate water quality criteria, effluent
guidelines, toxic pollutant standards, and/or pretreatment
requirements will then be established under the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act in accordance with a court-approved
schedule. John Carroll, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.
Workplace - A criteria document that is expected to recommend
tightening the OSHA standards for workplace exposure to cadmium
and its compounds is sc~eduled for release before the end of
1976. Keith Jacobson, NIOSH, (301) 443-2130.
Air Pollution Assessment - Information that has become available
since 1972 (when a Preferred Standard Path Analysis was pre-
pared) is being collected and analyzed to determine if emission
or performance standards under the Clean Air Act should be
developed. Richard Johnson, EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146, X-SOl.
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HYDROGEN SULFIDE
GENERAL STUDIES
STAR Report - A Scientific and Technical Assessment Review
of hydrogen sulfide will be prepared after the health hazard
assessment by the National Academy of Sciences has been re-
ceived in January 1977. Orin Stopinski, EPA/ORD, (919) 549-
8411, X-266.
HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
Health Hazard Assessment - The National Academy
is reviewing the health hazards associated with
fide. The report is due in January 1977. John
(202) 393-8100.
of Sciences
hydrogen sul-
Redman, NAS,
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
hydrogen sulfide levels in the various media are being
reviewed. Recommendations for the adoption of standardized
methods are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD,
(202) 426-2026.
Automotive Emissions - Hydrogen sulfide is one of the exhaust
components that will be measured in a series of tests of a
variety of exhaust control systems. Normal and malfunction
conditions will be simulated. The report is due in late 1977.
Joseph Somers, EPA/MVEL, (313) 668-4321.
SUBSTITUTES, CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, AND RELATED COSTS AND
ECONOMIC FACTORS
Automotive Emissions - Improperly adjusted automobiles
equipped with catalysts can emit hydrogen sulfide. EPA
is encouraging that automobiles be adjusted rather than
that catalyst devices be removed or overidden. Dealers,
zone representatives, and manufacturers are consulted in
these efforts. Michael Walsh, EPA/OE, (202) 755-2874.
CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS
Air Pollution Assessment - Two preliminary air pollution
assessment reports are being prepared by OAQPS. The first
will focus on the potential problems associated with normal
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industrial and catalyst operations. The second will document
accidental release episodes, identify potential control
mechanisms, and recommend EPA actions. Thomas Fagans,
EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146, X-SOl.
state Accidental Release Standard - Workplace safety regula-
tions governing recovery operations at capped gas wells and
requiring recovery operators to develop and file contingency
plans for notification and evacuation procedures associated
with accidental releases at these wells have been imposed.
James Herring, State of Texas, Railroad Commission, Oil and
Gas Division, (512) 475-4639.
Accidental Release Alert - As a result of several incidents
in which workers were fatally injured, a "Work Alert" on
accidental release of hydrogen sulfide and recommended work
practices and monitoring measures was issued in September
1976. Roscoe Moore, NIOSH, (301) 443-3843.
Workplace - A criteria document will outline hazards of and
control measures for carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide.
Standards for both materials, separately and together, will
be recommended. This report should be forwarded to OSHA in
late March 1977, and published in April 1977. Herbert Venable,
NIOSH, (301) 433-4216.
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MERCURY
GENERAL STUDIES
Manufacturing and Use Data - Data on the manufacture and
use of mercury during 1975, are being compiled for the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Abstracts of that body's reports are being prepared for
inclusion in a computerized information system to be managed
by OECD. Elbert Dage, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-2110.
HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
Carcinogenesis - A study was conducted to determine if mercury
and/or methyl mercury chloride demonstrated carcinogenic
potential when administered intramuscularly to rats. The
findings will be published in the Journal of the National
Cancer Institute. Sidney Siegel, NCI, (301) 496-3503.
Health Effects - A variety of epidemiological studies, as
well as studies on toxicity mechanisms, synthesis of chelat-
ing agents, and impacts on protein synthesis,- are being con-
ducted. Robert Owens, NIEHS, (919) 549-8411, X-3358.
Environmental Release and Fate - Sampling of mercurial
releases at the Four Corners powerplant has identified low
levels of various forms of mercury at various distances from
the plant. Two additional years of activity will attempt to
further refine analytical procedures, more closely follow
environmental transport, and identify the ultimate fate.
Bruce Wiersma, EPA/ORD, (702) 736-2969.
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Mercury in a Metropolitan Area - A survey of levels and
sources of mercury in environmental substances in the
Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area is in progress. A
report is expected in early 1977. Edward Brooks, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-4880.
Environmental Levels - The technical literature is being
reviewed to document previous monitoring activities. The
results will be evaluated for adequacy. If needed, additional
monitoring will be undertaken. Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-0300.
Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
mercury levels in the various media are being reviewed.
Recommendations for the adoption of standardized methods
are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD, (202)
426-2026.
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CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS
Air pollution Assessment - A preliminary assessment of air
pollution problems associated with mercury and mercurial
compounds is being prepared. When completed, a decision
on the need for further study and/or regulatory action
will be made. John O'Connor, EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146,
X-355.
Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including mercury, are being surveyed in connection with
effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior, health
and environmental effects, and sources and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. The report,
including recommended criteria, is scheduled to be published
by July 1977. Appropriate water quality criteria, effluent
guidelines, toxic pollutant standards, and/or pretreatment
requirements will then be established under the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act in accordance with a court-approved
schedule. John Carroll, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.
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PLATINUM
GENERAL STUDIES
Catalyst Research Program - As catalytic converters have corne
into use, a number of questions about the potential hazards
of platinum have been raised. Sampling and analytical
methods have been developed to identify platinum in environ-
mental media and biotic specimens. The environmental behavior,
including methylation and demethylation, of platinum has been
studied. The toxicological effects, including mutagenic
potential, behavioral impacts, and allergenic responses of
platinum are being studied. Preliminary reports from these
studies are included in a symposium report and a series of
annual reports. Vandy Duffield, EPA/ORD, (919) 549-8411,
X-2525.
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
platinum levels in the various media are being reviewed.
Recommendations for the adoption of standardized methods
are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD, (202)
426-2026.
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POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PNA's)
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
PNA levels in the various media are being reviewed. Recom-
mendations for the adoption of standardized methods are
expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD, (202) 426-
2026.
Vehicular Emissions - Exhaust from light- and heavy-duty
diesel-powered vehicles will be characterized for a variety
of hydrocarbon components including certain PNA's. The
report is due in July 1977. Joseph Somers, EPA/MVEL,
(313) 668-4321.
Drinking Water Survey - Drinking water supplies in 113 cities
are being surveyed for a number of organic constituents in-
cluding several PNA's. Sampling and analyses are due to
be completed in December 1976 and the report is expected in
early 1977. Joseph Cotruvo, EPA/OWS, (202) 755-5643.
CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS
Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, are being sur-
veyed in connection with effluent discharges. Physical and
chemical behavior, health and environmental effects, and
sources and environmental levels will be documented over
the next year. The report, including recommended criteria,
is scheduled to be published by July 1977. Appropriate
water quality criteria, effluent guidelines, toxic pollutant
standards, and/or pretreatment requirements will then be
established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
in accordance with a court-approved schedule. John Carroll,
EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.
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TRICHLOROETHYLENE
GENERAL STUDIES
Hazard Assessment - A two phase hazard assessment of trichloro-
ethylene is underway- The first phase consists of a survey of
production, sources, environmental levels, health effects,
ecological impacts, and possible controls. The second phase
consist of an assessment of the economic and environmental
impacts of control options. George Semeniuk, EPA/OTS, (202)
755-2110.
HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
Carcinogenesis Bioassay - Positive findings of carcinogenesis
have been reported based on high-dose gavage studies. An
inhalation study, related to real-world exposures, is due
to begin late in 1976. Dr. Cipriano Cueto, NCI, (301) 496-
4875.
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
trichloroethylene levels in the various media are being
reviewed. Recommendations for the adoption of standardized
methods are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD,
(202) 426-2026.
Monitoring Data - Samples taken from selected locations
(6 producers; 6 major users) will be analyzed for tri-
chloroethylene levels. Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202)
755-0300.
Drinking Water Survey - Drinking water supplies in 113 cities
are being surveyed for a number of organic constituents
including trichloroethylene. Sampling and analyses are
due to be completed in December 1976, and the report is
expected in early 1977. Joseph Cotruvo, EPA/OWS, (202)
755-5643.
CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS
Workplace Standard - In 1974, NIOSH published a criteria
document on trichloroethylene. On October 20, 1975, a pro-
posal to revise the existing standard was published. On
April 16, 1976, a notice that consideration was being given
to consolidating the standard with those for perchloroethylene
and methyl chloroform was published in the Federal Register.
Grover Wrenn, OSHA, (202) 523-7081.
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Air Pollution Assessment - Based on an air pollution assess-
ment, it has been determined that regulation of trichloro-
ethylene is not warranted at this time. Richard Johnson,
EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146, X-SOl.
Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including trichloroethylene, are being surveyed in connection
with effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior,
health and environmental effects, and sources and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. The report,
including a recommended criteria, is scheduled to be published
by July 1977. Appropriate water quality criteria, effluent
guidelines, toxic pollutant standards, and/or pretreatment
requirements will then be established under the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act in accordance with a court-approved
schedule. John Carroll, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.
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TRIS(2,3-DIBROMOPROPYL) PHOSPHATE
CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS
Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
Tris levels in the various media are being reviewed. Recom-
mendations for the adoption of standardized techniques are
expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPAjORD, (202) 426-
2026.
Analytical Methods - Methods are being developed for the
analysis of Tris in human tissue samples (including body
fluid). These methods will be applied in an effort to
determine if Tris is taken up by the human body from treated
fabrics and clothing. Vincent DeCarlo, EPAjOTS, (202) 755-0300.
Sampling and Analysis - Samples taken in an EDB monitoring
activity will also be analyzed for levels of Tris. Vincent
DeCarlo, EPAjOTS, (202) 755-0300.
HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
Carcinogenesis - The carcinogenic potential of Tris when
administered orally to rodents is being determined.
Cipriano Cueto, NCI, (301) 496-4875.
Hazard Assessment - Using the Ames bioassay, Tris was shown
to be a potential mutagen. These findings were forwarded
to CPSC in the Fall of 1975. Based on these results, EDF
petitioned CPSC to restrict the use of this substance as a
flame retardant in fabrics. CPSC is preparing to conduct
further tests and is awaiting the results of NClis tests
before making a final decision. Barbara Ostrow, CPSC, (301)
492-6477.
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ABBREVIATIONS OF ORGANIZATIONS
Environmental Protection Agency
MVEL
OAQPS
OE
ORD
OTS
OWPS
OWS
Motor Vehicle Emission Laboratory
Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards
Office of Enforcement
Office of Research & Development
Office of Toxic Substances
Office of Water Planning & Standards
Office of Water Supply
Other Organizations
CPSC
NAS
NCI
NIEHS
NIOSH
OSHA
Consumer Products Safety Commission
National Academy of Science
National Cancer Institute
National Institute for Environmental
Health Sciences
National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
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UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of "Toxic Substances (WH-557)
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
OFFICIAL BUSINE&
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300
FOURTH CLASS BOOK RATE
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENC
EPA -335
An Equal Opportmrity Employer
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